Automatic control stove

ABSTRACT

A stove having a plurality of burners (1) which is under the control of a computer that has one or more cooking control programs to control the activation, time of operation and heat output of a selected burner. The user of the stove, a utensil and the stove have components of a transmitter/receiver system that permits burner actuation through the computer only when the user and utensil are authorized. 
     The stove includes subsystems that supply information to the computer: a flame sensing system (C); a time regulating system &#34;timer&#34; (41); a weight checking system of the food to be cooked; a nearness sensing and identifying system of authorized users and utensils to operate the stove; a sound and/or visual alarm system; a voice synthesizer system associated with the other systems. The stove also includes an auxiliary battery back-up supply (8) a pre-heating system (H) for the oven (4); a temperature programmer (42) for the oven; an internal temperature measuring system (TR&#39;) for the oven; a variable programming system (46) of time×temperature; an automatic activating system (53) for a stove exhaust fan; and a bar code scanning system, for automatically programming the variable parameters of time and temperature.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a stove with automatic control, morespecifically an automatic and intelligent stove, that provides for amore practical, secure, rational and efficient use.

It is known that standard stoves basically have a burner set linked to agas conductor network and also a flame burner ignited by an electricallygenerated spark.

Actually, technological improvements related to stoves have been verysimple and inefficient in terms of their specific function, that is,heating food.

The relatively few technological improvements applied to stoves aredirected to the starting operation and not specifically to the heatingof containers of food.

Even the most technologically advanced stove still presentsdisadvantages in terms of safety, economy and operationalrationalization, and does not guarantee the sensory aspects (smell,sight, texture, color, taste) and food nourishment value.

The use of a computer to automate the procedures of food preparation isdisclosed by J. Carl Goodhouse in Brazilian patent No. 3889,875 grantedon Jun. 17, 1975, where the cooking time is automatically set in termsof weight, cooking degree (well done, medium, rare) and a factor foreach meat type, always considering a fixed cooking temperature.

The current invention is not restricted to meat preparation. It providesfor programming cooking via variable parameters of temperature,dehydration degree, vapor and weight, controlled by a computer. Thispermits automating all types of food preparation in order to providefood with total quality, defined as: delicious, nourishing, variable andeasy to be prepared. This invention not only controls the oven, but alsoall the stove burners, and the characteristics of the automatic control.This allows a better interaction with the user, protection againstimproper use, defects, violations, and thus provides comfort and safety.The stove can also be manually programmed via a numeric keyboard orremotely from a distance by telephone, computer program, CD ROM, ROMcard, tape or OCR-Scanner, or any other media or storage system thatuses data storage (procedure information). All these characteristics andbenefits are discussed below.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

One object of the invention is to supply a stove with an automaticcontrol that brings high security to the user avoiding gas exhaust,improper operation or the burning of food during its preparation.

Another object is to supply the stove with an automatic control thatlimits its use to qualified persons, avoiding non-authorized use, suchas by children.

One more object is to supply the stove with an automatic programmingcontrol, allowing a rational, fast and orderly use of the stove.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The objects mentioned above and others are obtained with the stovefitted with an automatic control for the basic flame operating system. Apan is rested over the oven or burner grid together with supportsubsystem sequences integrated with a basic system that warns of all thestove operational variants (temperature, time, dehydration degree, vaporpercentage and food or ingredients weight). The support subsystemsinclude a flame sensor system; timer; a "weight" checking system of foodto be prepared; a nearness sensor system and an identifier of utensilsand persons authorized to operate the stove; a sound and visual alarmsystem connected to the other subsystems status; an auxiliary electricalfeeding system; an oven pre-heating system; a water vapor supplier andregulator for the oven; a system to measure the temperature of the oven;a variable programming system (time×temperature×vapor×dehydrationdegree) to prepare the best food; a system based on a bar code scanningsystem that automatically programs the stove with variable parameters of(time×temperature×vapor dehydration degree); an automatic operatingsystem of external ventilation and light focus over the burner table.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The current invention will be more understandable with a detaileddescription referring to the appended drawings where:

FIG. 1 represents schematically a view of a part of the automaticcontrol stove of the invention;

FIG. 2 represents schematically a perspective view of the stove, with anexternal ventilator and a glass shield in raised position;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the automatic control stove;

FIGS. 4 and 4a are respectively front views of the individual controlpanels of the oven and of each of the stove burners with automaticcontrol;

FIG. 4b is a front view of the individual control panel for the plate ofthe stove table;

FIG. 4c is a front view of the numeric keyboard of time, temperature,and dehydration degree of the oven foods programmer;

FIG. 5 is a view of the "master" control panel;

FIG. 6 is a view of the operating external ventilator and the lightcontrol for over the burner table; and

FIGS. 7a, 7b, 8a and 8b represent, respectively, the functional blockdiagram of the inactivity operating condition of the burners.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to the drawings, the automatic control stove, object of thecurrent invention, has the following features: a housing 10, which, hasset in its upper surface a plurality of burners B, each of them setunder a support grid 2, where the pan or another appropriate utensilwill rest for food preparation.

Over the burner table 1 there additionally is a plate 1a to directlygrill the food.

On the top of burner table B, there is a radio frequency receiver 3 thatdetects the nearness and identifies a corresponding transmitter of radiofrequency energy, not illustrated, attached to the utensil or utensilset appropriate for use with the stove.

On the front of the housing 10 is an individual panel 20 for each burner1, a panel 20' for the oven burner 4 and a panel 20" for the grill plate1a.

All of the control panels defined above are electro-electronicallylinked to a central processor circuit 5 that is responsible for all ofthe stove automatic operations.

This central processor circuit 5 is responsible for all theelectro-electronic linking of all systems and functions, which in turnoperates electro-mechanical devices that operate the stove partially orcompletely.

The stove with automatic control is provided with a nearness detectorcomposed of a radio frequency system. The system has a transmitter and areceiver 3, the receiver 3 being mounted in the housing 10, morespecifically over the burner table B, and the transmitter is mounted ina form which may be removable, next to the pan table or in one or moreproper utensils for preparing the food. The transmitter can also bemounted in removable form, for instance, as a bracelet to be used aroundthe user's wrist or as a necklace to be used around the neck or locatedin the user's apron.

The receiver 3 receives radio frequency signals, unique and distinct foreach transmitter device, and determines whether or not the automaticignition of the burner over which a pan rests is to take place. Thedetermination to ignite a burner will take place always when the systemrecognizes concomitantly the user transmitter or transmitter on a panplaced over the burner grid required to be operated. If there is a lackof recognition of the proper user transmitter device, the system doesnot deliver the burner ignition and if the user tries to operate itinadvertently, a glass shield 11 will be raised from its position withinthe stove, as shown in FIG. 1, by any suitable mechanism, and willappear around the burner table T for security, as shown in FIG. 2.

When the transmitter is set in the pan it has suitable protectionresistance to heat, water, soup and/or impact.

The radio frequency system is calibrated to act in a sphere of action atmost 1 meter distance from the stove. Beyond this distance, the receiver3 does not note the transmitter presence.

The transmitter devices mentioned have a microchip that preferably has acrystal that polarizes upon receiving electro-magnetic waves that isused for charging a battery.

The transmitter has a direct current source used to operate amicro-processor to produce a signal of one unique code for that devicethat is received and identified by the stove receiver. The stove itselftriggers the transmitter devices to deliver radio frequency waves thatare received by transmitter devices to sufficiently change directcurrent (d.d.p.) to deliver back another radio frequency signal that hasa unique code for each transmitter, identified by the system.

There is a valve system (not shown) responsible for the gas passage andits outflow, individual for each burner B. This system is composed oftwo tubes with windows, one within the other. The inner tube is movableand the external one is fixed, so that by rotating one tube over theother, when the windows are completely aligned the most gas outflowoccurs; and when this coincidence does not occur, the gas exit iscompletely sealed. The intermediate positions are responsible for gasoutflow graduation (producing variable flame intensity). This system ismanipulated by the central processor circuit 5 through an electriccontrol or a solenoid (not illustrated).

Control of the burner flame graduation takes place through an operatingdevice composed of two keys 21 and 21', with + and - symbols. Thisoperating device is connected to the electric circuit of a valve systemto provide an increase or decrease in the gas intensity and,accordingly, the flame. The graduation is set visually by LEDs.

Each support grid 2 of the burners B and oven burner 4 is unique and isconnected to a balance system, where a detector device such as a strainor load cell, coupled to the referred support grid 2, determines theexact "weight" of the utensil rested over the grid. This balance systemis responsible to start all the automatic operating process of theburner flame, as well as being responsible for flame extinction when theutensil is taken off the support grid 2.

Each unique support grid 2 is removable to make stove cleaning easy.

The automatic control stove also has a battery for auxiliary power tostart the automatic operation when the main power supply fails.

The stove 10 also has a flame sensor F that works as a security device.It detects the presence or lack of flame. If the flame of one burner Bswitches off, the flame sensor sends a signal to the control center andthis orders the valve system to automatically stop the gas supply to therespective burner 1.

While the gas supply is suspended, an illuminated alarm is outlined inthe respective burner's individual control panel 20 and an alarm issounded (beep tone or voice synthesizer). Afterwards, the control centerautomatically activates an individual lock L. The individual lock L hasits operating button set on each burner control panel 20 and the overburner panel 20', illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 4a.

Basically, each individual control panel 20 and 20' has a digitaldisplay window 22 and 22' to balance checking with zero Z and total (To)buttons. Each panel 20 and 20', besides having individual lock L andprogramming buttons, zero Z and total (To) buttons for the digitaldisplays 22 and 22', also has a vapor button. Panel 20' (oven panel)displays an illuminated symbol F linked to the flame sensor, anoperating button "under programming" P and a delay button D. This isresponsible to operate a re-read of time that allows setting of the timethat a pan can remain off of a support grid 2 without switching off theburner B.

Similarly, a master control panel 30 is connected to the centralprocessor circuit 5 that is located in an appropriate place within thestove.

The individual lock L, operated by a key of the control panels 20 and20', is a system that does not allow flame occurrence even when theweight of a pan is resting on the grid 2 of the burner B.

To rest a pan holding food already prepared on the grid 2 of a burner 1without flame presence, one simply activates the individual lock key L.

This system connected to the command center can start the electriccircuits, already mentioned, and then operate the gas supply valvesystem to switch off the flame, as soon as the individual lock L isactivated, or in "weight" presence, the burner flame does not occur.

A central lock blocks feeding of the gas, completely stopping the stoveoperation 10. This system is operated by a central lock Lc key set inthe master control panel 30, and hinders the gas passage by a pressuremeasuring device. It lowers hood Ta and Ta' of the stove following theinhibition of the network electrical supply and the alternativeelectrical supply back up system, and both operations are ordered bycentral processor circuit 5.

The pressure measuring device, not illustrated, functions to measuredecreasing gas pressure in the entrance tube of the valve's system (maintube), activating the illuminated P key of the master control panel 30.This indicates the imminent need to change the vessel, or warns ofproblems in the street gas supply.

A device for measuring the amount of gas that remains in the vessel (ifthe stove has a GLP supply vessel), makes the system deny or not programthe start of any of the burners. If the gas in the supply vessel is notsufficient, the illuminated key P of the master control panel 30 willswitch on and a beep tone is sounded (or a voice synthesizer message isplayed) to notify the user of the need to change the supply vesselbefore starting the programming.

This measuring device operates based on information from a pressuresensor device set in the valve system entrance (main tube) and ananalytical balance located below the gas vessel, that reveals, forinstance, when a load vessel, 13 k capacity (commercial standard) is 5k, or if it is close to empty. Arranging these two information sourcesinforms the decision system if there is or is not sufficient gas tosatisfy the required programming set by the user.

The pressure sensor can also hinder the gas passage through a solenoidcontrolled valve before it reaches the valve system. Such function isactivated by the central lock.

The alarms are of both the sound and visual types that work in differentways, as shown in the following description: upon flame presence withgas outflow in a burner B the illuminated symbol F key in the controlpanels 20, 20' and 20" is switched on, or in case of lack of flame withgas outflow in the burner B, the F key flashes for 10 seconds, while asound alarm or a voice synthesizer message is sounded; in case a lack ofcommercial electrical power supply occurs, the back up power supplysystem switches on the illuminated symbol E of the master control panel30 and a beep tone or a voice synthesizer message is sounded twice; whena decrease in the gas pressure occurs, the illuminated P key of themaster control panel 30 is switched on, a beep tone or a voicesynthesizer message is sounded three times; and when using the delayer,the illuminated delay button D of the control panels 20, 20' and 20" isswitched on, a beep tone or a voice synthesizer message is sounded onlyonce; at the end of the pre-set cooking an illuminated P key (timer)flashes four times and a beep tone or a voice synthesizer message issounded twice.

The burner oven 4 has a pre-heating system H that allows, with the ovencompletely empty or the weight balance zeroed, activation of the flamefor a certain period, allowing the oven pre-heating to be effectively inuse. Such a pre-heating system H is activated by the H key located inthe individual burner panel of the oven control 20'.

The individual oven burner control panel 20' has a digital displaywindow 22 as a checking weight key (for the second grid), plus a set ofzero Z and totalizer (To) keys. Oven control panel 20' has an internallight command key LHT, one pre-heating system H control key and a grillkey G responsible for the heating of the oven burner 4 internal rotaryspit, a vapor V key to indicate that the oven is using water vapor toprepare the food, and also a DOOR key responsible for the electricaloperation of the open oven door.

The pre-heating system H can be deactivated any time when the oven dooris opened. When the pre-heating system H is activated, the delay D keyis inhibited.

The pre-heating system H also activates an internal oven ventilator.

Inside the oven burner 4 there is a thermometer responsible for checkingthe temperature that can be read-out through a liquid crystal display22' of the oven control panel 20'. In the same panel 20', there are theflame intensity determiner keys 21 (+ and -) and also on the panel is anumeric keyboard 40, that is a digital programmer device for time,temperature, dehydration degree and vapor percentage.

The temperature programming of the oven 4 is obtained followingselecting the temperature as shown on the LEDs 24' and setting the flameintensity on the oven control panel 20'. The temperature digitalprogramming is obtained via programming by the numeric keyboard 40.

The oven control panel 20' offers the following information for a moreaccurate control of the oven internal temperature. The RdT (RequiredTemperature) is the one the oven is to reach for best food preparation.The RdT can be programmed via digital programming or in an analog way.The RT (Real Temperature) is the oven internal temperature measurement,taken second by second.

The oven 4 is activated when an oven utensil is placed on one of theoven grids and when the oven door is completely closed, as long as thereferred utensil or its user is authorized to use it, that is, they havethe respective transmitters of code via radio frequency.

When the conditions mentioned above are filled there will be, besidesthe flame automatically operating, automatic operation of the internalventilator. The oven 4 has a switch in its door that is connected to thecontrol center 5 and is responsible to limit the flame activation untiltotal closing of the oven door.

The internal ventilator mentioned above is responsible not only tocirculate the gas in the oven, but it also avoids dish odor impregnationwhen two or more dishes are heated at the same time. It also eases theoven internal cleaning, because the exhausting avoids the accumulationof smoke and dripping from food preparation.

The oven 4 can be, alternatively, divided in two distinct compartments(upper and lower), and can in this case operate in response to differentprogrammings. The oven 4 has its burner B switched off automaticallywhen the door opens except when one only opens the door for checking,so, in this case, it is necessary to activate the delay button D thatwill keep the flame on for a short period of time. After this interval,if the door is not shut, the flame will extinguish and only theindividual lock L of the oven control panel 20' will be activated. Whenthe oven door is completely open it automatically activates the DOOR keyof the oven panel 20' or it only allows for manual opening through apressure brake.

The timer function is obtained using only one programmer device. Thisprogrammer device is a numeric keyboard 40 (FIG. 4c), with a display foruser visualization, and has a visor (above it). Numeric keyboard 40 hasthe following keys: timer 41, temperature programmer 44, dehydrationprogrammer 42 and a vapor percent programmer 43.

There is also a key referring to a clock (CHRN) 45 to measure therequired time of flame presence in any burner. This permits the user toknow the right time for cooking during the preparation of his recipes.This function is activated by the flame sensor of the first burner to beoperated, after starting the clock (CHRN) 45 key. The clock starts whenthe individual lock L is switched on.

There is also a clock key (CLK) 46 that updates the current hour beingdisplayed in the digital display while the device is not being used.

For the digital programming of the oven internal temperature, a devicewith numeric keyboard 40 for activating the temperature programmer 44 isused. The required temperature, that varies from 60° to 300° C., isdetermined through a keyboard. The chosen temperature will appear in the"display" when the key (PROG) 48 is activated and the choice willdisappear from the numeric keyboard "display" 40 which will return thecurrent hour and will be changed to the "display" of oven control panel20' in the reserved blank RdT (Required Temperature). Now the oven 4will automatically heat at its (RT) (Real Temperature) until it reachesthe RdT selected during programming.

To set the current time, the user activates the CLK key 46 of the clock.When this occurs, the "display" will flash (or switch on or off). Theclock is set by activating the key H for the corresponding hourdigit(s). The same procedure is used for M minutes and S seconds.

Upon re-activating the clock CLK key 46, the hour programming is setthereby stopping the flashing. This operation finishes the programmingof the current time.

The clock-timer is activated when one wishes to determine the ideal timeof flame production to obtain the best result for a recipe that is beingprepared. By measuring the time one can take note of the elapsed cookingtime when it is desired to repeat such recipe, using the same time (thetime programmed via timer 41) to get the same result (the same quality).

To do so, the clock 45 (CHRN) key of the device with numeric keyboard 40and then the key P that indicates "under programming" of the individualcontrol command 20, 20' and 20" of the burner required to use areactivated. When the F flame key indicates the presence of flame in theburner B, it activates the chronometer that is set in the display of theindividual control 20, 20' and 20" of that burner B, in the reservedspace to RC.

When the time required by the user for its recipe is achieved, the key Lindicates individual lock or removal of the pan over the grid and willlock the chronometer, showing in the display the chosen time. The hood(Ta) is raised every time the system is under operation and is loweredover the burners B every time the central lock Lc of the control masterpanel 30 is activated.

The hood is divided in two sections, (Ta) and (Ta'), one for the burnersB and the other for the plate 1a over the burner table T. A glass hood(Ta') of the plate 1a has a different activation, according to thedescription below (FIG. 4b).

The plate 1a, different from the other burners B, is activatedautomatically with the "weight" over the support grid 2 by an authorizedperson or utensil and will not use any utensil because the food to beheated goes straight onto the plate 1a.

In this situation, the delay D key of the individual control panel 20"is changed by activating the A key, responsible to deliver gas and causethe electrical ignition flash that will produce combustion under theplate 1a. Such combustion and its respective flame will be confirmed bythe flame sensor causing illumination of the F key of the individualcontrol panel 20". The plate 1a does not have a timer function(indicated by "P" in the other panel), but keeps the individual lock Lfunction.

To switch off the flame under the plate 1a, the user again activates thekey A of the panel 20" which stops the gas feeding. The flame detectorkey extinguishes, confirming the operation. Afterwards, the glass hood(Ta') lowers straight over the area of plate 1a, for about 15 minutes,the time necessary for the plate 1a to get cold and achieve thecleaning. This process is done for safety to avoid people being burnedafter use of the plate 1a.

If the user wants to use the plate 1a again, before the 15 minuteperiod, he activates the A key. The glass hood (Ta') will raiseautomatically and the process will be re-started.

The glass hood (Ta') can have its activation controlled by a numericcode password, via numeric keyboard 40 and then executed only by anauthorized person. Another password can be put in the memory, if theuser loses his authorized bracelet.

The glass hood (Ta') has the ability to lower after using the plate 1a,but it is not used for support grid 2 of the other burners B. Forsecurity, in this case the grid is made up of low thermal conductionmaterial that cools rapidly after being heated by the burner B flame.

The activating operation over a required time is programmed in thenumeric keyboard 40. The user then chooses the burner B that he wants touse (it can be the oven 4) by the individual panel through the Pprogramming key. In the beginning, the flame detected by the flamesensor will start the programmed time into a regressive count. If thereis already flame in the burner table T or oven 4 that one wishes toprogram, the P key itself when programmed, activates a regressive count.

To accomplish time programming in the device with numeric keyboard 40,the user a) activates the time programmer key 41; b) chooses the key H(hour), and then pushes the required hour (for security step the usercan program 1, 2, 3 or 4 hour), the programmed hour will appear in thedisplay 40'; c) chooses M key (minutes) and then pushes from 1 to 60;the programmed minutes will appear in the display 40; d) chooses the Skey (seconds) and then pushes from 1 to 60; the programmed seconds willappear also in the display 40'. After choosing time, the user activatesthe programmer (PROG) key 48 and the choice will be frozen in thedisplay 40, the user then pushes P of the individual control panel 20,20', that he wishes to program. In the display 22 and 22' of this panelwill appear the programmed time PT, as the regressive one RC, when theoperation is started. After starting the operation, the "display" 40' ofthe numeric keyboard 40 returns to show the current hour. The timerprogramming operation can be restricted to minutes (M) key, zeroingautomatically other parameters.

The programmer device 40 has also (MEMO) 47 and CL 49 keys. The (MEMO)key is used to keep in the memory a program the user will want to repeatwhen he wishes. To do so after activating the (PROG) key that finishesthe programming operation, the user pushes (MEMO) key and then itsidentifier number. For instance, MEMO 1. Every time the user wants thatprogram again, he just pushes MEMO 1, PROG and the program becomesavailable.

The CL key cancels the programming already done, if a mistake occurs inthe programming operation.

To realize the ideal vapor percentage for preparing the food in the ovenby the numeric keyboard 40, the user: a) activates the vapor percentprogrammer 43; b) pushes the required vapor percentage via the numerickeyboard 40 (the amount is from 1-100), where 0 (zero) means dry cookingand 100 (one hundred) the maximum vapor percentage; c) pushes the (PROG)key and the display will show the chosen vapor percentage. Whenactivating the P key of the oven, it means "under programming", and adisplay automatically will light, indicating that the vapor programmingis under operation, and it is not possible to open the oven door.

The food dehydration degree program occurs in the numeric keyboard 40,as follows. The user: a) activates the dehydration degree programmer G42; b) he pushes "gram" amount, in the numeric keyboard 40, referring tothe weight limit that is going to be lost during preparation of the food(and when this situation occurs the stove will switch off automaticallyor a new programming will start); c) activates the (PROG) key and theprogram is frozen in the display of the programmer advice. The programis passed back to the required burner, activating the individual panel Pkey. The information about the losing weight limit will appear in thedisplay of the chosen burner or oven panel. The program starts as soonas the flame sensor detects flame in the burner that will be used.

Another way to program the dehydration degree is to program it by thelost weight percentage in relation to the real food weight (forinstance: switch off the burner flame as soon as the food loses 8% ofthe initial weight). To do this the vapor percent programmer 43 is usedafter activating the dehydration programmer 42 and then, via numerickeyboard 40, the digit 8 and the (PROG) key are pushed. By doing thisthe chosen burner of the operation will switch off as soon as the foodweight, that is being heated, loses 8% of its initial weight.

The numeric keyboard 40 also has the function to program the foodpreparation, according to a sequence of time, temperature, vapor, anddehydration degree parameter variation to obtain the best way to preparethe food. This function is useful when, for instance, it is desired thata frozen dish first defrosts, then starts to release vapor and finallyis grilled, with a more intense heating and dries. Then, finishing theoperations, the burner switches off because the food is ready to betasted.

Therefore, according to (PROG) function, the dish or food mentionedcould, for instance, defrost during 15 minutes in 50% percent of vaporat 60° C. temperature. It is then roasted during 40 minutes, in 90%vapor, at 130° temperature and finally grilled at 200° C., dry until thefood loses 30 g of its initial weight (initially 2 kg). All of thisprocess takes place automatically.

The variable programming parameters (of time, temperature anddehydration degree) is done activating the (PROG) key of the numerickeyboard 40 device and then the digit "1". This indicates the firstprogram sequence of time, temperature, vapor, dehydration degree. Theuser then pushes (PROG) and the digit "1", to start the second programsequence. The procedure is the same for the 3rd, 4th, 5th, for as manysequences as is necessary. At the end, to pass back the programming toone of the stove burners (or oven), the user activates P key of thechosen individual panel program.

What was programmed is activated as soon as the flame F symbol of theoven 20' or burners 20 lights, indicating the flame operating. After theprogram is finished, the individual lock L key is activated, indicatingthe end of operation.

All variables parameters (of time×temperature×vapor×dehydration degree)can be more easily programmed through a simple bar-code scanning systemthat has the parameter information. After the optical pen scanning, thestove itself programs the scanned parameters automatically.

This optical pen, not illustrated, can be stored inside a stove drawer 6that is beside the oven door lock for manual opening. The drawer 6stores, besides the optical pen for the bar-code scanning system,bracelets used by users to operate the stove. The bracelet when placedinside the drawer 6 is inhibited from working. The drawer 6 can have itsopening linked to a numeric code password, via numeric keyboard 40, toincrease the security of oven opening so that it can be done only by anauthorized person.

The bar-code can have information about the best way to prepare aspecific food, and can be attached to the "dish" package made by aspecialized company to supply the information to be programmed.

Information can be acquired in the "Control Individual Panel" 20 of thestove 10. For burner 1: a) in the left side of the digital displaywindow 22 appears (RC), meaning regressive time count to have the flameextinguished (the chronometer, when activated, also appears in itsposition); b) in the upper right side of the digital display window 22(PT) displays the programmed time in timer; c) burner 1 can be set forthe ingredient weight if the X and (To) keys are correctly used; d) thedetail button 23 when activated changes the information that isdisplayed in the center of the digital display window 22 to otherinformation and can be weight, (RCH) (Regressive Chronometer), (PT)(Programmed Time), (CDD) (Current Dehydration Degree), (PDD) (ProgrammedDehydration Degree). The flame intensity can be displayed via LEDs(analog scale).

Information can be acquired in the "Control Panel" 20 includes: a)(RCHR)--Regressive Chronometer; b) (PT)--Programmed time; c) (RT)--RealTemperature; d) (RdT)--Required Temperature; e) (CDD)--CurrentDehydration Degree; f) (PDD)--Programmed Dehydration Degree; g)(VP)--Vapor Percentage; h) the information from two weight sensors--onefor the upper grid and the other for the lower grid; and i) numerical(analog) display scale (LEDs) of the oven 4 internal temperature.

In the open control panel 20' there are two detail buttons 23' thatchange information that the user wants to have.

An "automatic programming" expression is always displayed on the liquidcrystal screen when the oven is undergoing variable programming(time×temperature×vapor×dehydration degree).

The most common situations and its corresponding interpretation and alsothe independent actions are now described.

The proximity of the pan or bracelet (or apron or necklace) worn by theuser when near the stove, activates radio frequency codes and combinedwith the pan "weight" present on the support grid 2 of the burner,starts the combustion process in that burner B.

This occurs as follows. After satisfying the three conditions mentionedbefore, that is, weight on the burner grid, presence of an authorizedutensil, and a user for the operation having a transmitter in a bracelet(apron or necklace), the central processor circuit 5 activates the gasvalve system and the ignition system. The selected burner B will beignited by the electrical flash starting the combustion. The flame fromthe burner will be detected by the flame sensor, and that will activatean illuminated symbol F set in the burner's control panel 20 indicatingthe flame presence.

To switch off the flame, the pan is removed from its support grid 2. Theweight sensor returns to zero and activates the central processorcircuit 5, which stops the gas passage through the valve system. Uponsensing an extinguished flame, the sensor switches off the illuminatedsymbol F that indicates the flame presence. Placing a non-authorized (notransmitter) body over the support grid 2 of one burner B (or upon anon-authorized person attempting to operating the stove), does notpermit flame activation because the proximity detector will indicatethat a non-authorized object (or a non-authorized person) is present.This prevents activation of the central processor circuit 5 and a beeptone or a voice synthesizer will sound three times notifying the presentuser. At the same time, a glass shield will raise from the front andsides of the burner table. Also, an illuminated button of the individuallock L will flash three times, after which the lock system will beautomatically activated for security reasons, keeping the individualbutton L illuminated.

When air circulation extinguishes the flame of a burner, the flamesensor notes the lack of flame and causes the central processor circuit5 to activate the valve system stopping the gas flow. At the same time,a beep tone or a message voice synthesizer is sounded six times. Theflame system indicator is flashed six times and then extinguished. Afterthat, the individual lock system is activated for security reasons.

To work on or manipulate a pan outside the support grid 2 of the burnerB without extinguishing the flame, the user activates the delay key D ofthe burner B control panel 20, this being illuminated during its use.

The D key that activates the delay system, defined by a time re-read,inhibits the balance system. This notifies a lack of weight indicationto the central processor circuit 5 and this prevents the valve systemfrom blocking the gas outflow to that burner B, avoiding flameextinction for a certain period of time (about 5 minutes) which issufficient to manipulate the food. After the delay time is finished, ifthe pan is not restored on the support grid 2, the flame extinguishes.This function is not deactivated when the user no longer wishes to usethis resource.

When the user wants to prepare a food for a determined period of time,the numeric keyboard 40 programmer device is used. This device is usedto set the time in hours, minutes and seconds.

After the user chooses the burners B or the oven 4 to be used during theprogrammed time in its respective control panel 20 and 20', the userpushes the program P key.

The programmed time action will appear in the display of the individualpanel 20 and 20'. The value of the time set is seen on the left part ofthe display while the right part will go to zero in a regressive way asthe time passes. Accordingly, the user will have information about thepre-programmed time (PT) and how much time remains to finish the cooking(RC).

When the numeric keyboard 40 is not being used, the current hour willappear like a clock in the hour visor of the display 40'.

When after the cooking is completed and the user wants to keep the panresting over the support grid 2 of the activated burner B, theindividual lock L key is kept illuminated. This key influences thebalance system, inhibiting the flame operating process, even with a"weight" present on the burner. The burner will be inactive, until theuser activates a function by pushing the referred key.

When the user only wants to rest the pan over the grid 2 of a burner 1with the lock activated, the flame action is inhibited and there is onlya check of the "weight" of the pan content.

To improve the use of the weight sensor, the user must use the zero Zand totalizer (To) keys. If, for instance, the pan on the grid 2 isempty the user will know the value by activating the zero key. Thisvalue will disappear so any ingredient arranged inside the pan will haveits true weight checked. It is possible to use the zero Z key again forchecking the next ingredient and so on. The totalizer (To) key is usedto check the total weight.

When the user wants to eliminate the weight value of the totalizer toobtain only the weight of all of the ingredients, during the initialprocess of the pan balance he activates the totalizer key and then thezero key. After that, a beep tone will be sounded indicating the valuereferred to in the pan is set in the memory and will not be consideredin the final ingredients total.

When the gas supply vessel is to be changed, an illuminated symbol P inthe master control 30 panel will switch on. This symbol is activated bya pressure sensor that detects the lack of required gas for a cookingprogram prompt to start, or detects a pressure decrease in the mainsupply pipe of the gas supply, between the vessel and the valve system.When gas from a central supply is used, the illuminated symbol P willindicate problems in the gas supply (e.g., low pressure).

When a lack of commercial electric power supply occurs, an illuminatedsymbol E will be displayed in the stove master panel 30 indicatingactivation of back-up energy, derived from battery 8 no break systembeing switched on. The back-up supply maintains the stove computermemory functions. After the return of the commercial power, the panellight will switch off. Also, the no break back-up system will berecharged automatically.

To block the stove from being activated, it is necessary that thecentral lock Lc key of the master control panel 30 be activated.Activating the Lc key will completely block the gas supply andafterwards the lowering of the stove top. It will also prohibit supplyof the electric energy to the electric components of the stove system.Visually it will be apparent that the central lock Lc key is activatedwhen there is a rearward retraction of its surface in relation to otherkeys of the referred panel.

When a user puts food inside the oven to roast, he opens the oven door,rests the oven authorized utensil with food over the oven grid, andcloses the door. This procedure activates the oven burner flame.

The oven flame activation procedure occurs in the following way. If theuser fills in the mentioned conditions and if the user is authorizedthrough the transmitter bracelet (apron or necklace), the centralprocessor circuit 5 will activate the system gas supply valves and theignition system. There will then be the ignition of the oven burner gaswith the electric ignition flash. When the combustion occurs, theelectric flash will cease. The flame resulting from this combustion isdetected by the flame sensor that activates an illuminated symbol F inthe individual control panel 20' indicating the flame presence.

The regulating of a specific oven temperature to prepare a certain typeof food is obtained through the use of the numeric keyboard.

When the user wishes to perform a brief inspection of how the cooking isgoing on, he activates the delay D key. This guarantees flamemaintenance while the user opens the oven door and manipulates the foodinside. Activation of the delay D key will keep the flame on for acertain period. After that time, if the oven door is not closed theflame will be extinguished, automatically activating the individual lockL system.

When the user wants to pre-heat the oven before its actual use, thepre-heating system H key is activated. Through activating thepre-heating system H key, there will automatically be flame activationfor a certain period of time (about 10 minutes).

The pre-heating temperature can also be pre-programmed via numerickeyboard device 40. The pre-heating of the oven is blocked when the useropens the oven door. The pre-heating function can only be used with anempty oven.

The current invention as described is not exclusive to a stove using astreet gas supply or a vessel gas supply. It also operates withelectrical stoves, such as of the electric resistance type, incandescentresistance type, heat lamp irradiation, or magnetic induction.

When the stove is of the resistance type, the P key indication of themaster control panel 30, which when switched on indicates pressureproblems with gas supply in a gas stove would be changed to RI,indicating problems in the electrical resistance.

When the individual lock L of a burner is activated, the electricalresistance retracts inside the stove, away from the utensil so that thisresistance does not continue to heat the food. For security reasons, theburner is always retracted in relation to the stove after its use.

When the source is a heat irradiation lamp, the P key of the mastercontrol panel 30 for the gas stove could be changed to an Li display forindicating problems in one of the stove lamps.

Using irradiation lamps or magnetic induction technology does notrequire other major system changes. An electric ignition system used ina gas stove is not required in the electric stove.

The flame F symbols of the control panel would be changed to an ONsymbol to indicate that the stove is in use. And the + and - keys forflame intensity activates a controller of electric current to theirradiation lamp for controlling the heat intensity it delivers.

The current invention also automates the use of an external ventilatorabove the stove. The stove has a set of coupled ventilators. When thestove switches on, at the time the flame sensor senses any burner B ofthe stove being in use, the flame F detector activates the ventilatorcoupled to the system.

Preferably the ventilator activation is done via RF (Radio Frequency)including the wave emitter device that is already over the burner tableT (the same nearness and user utensil identifier system); oralternatively, by electric spinning.

The ventilator control panel 50 has several illuminated control keys;one switch ON 51; other switch OFF 52; and another for automaticactivation AUTO 53, that will switch on the ventilator when there is aflame present in any of the burners and will switch off when there isnot; and finally, a light switch LHT 54, that activates a light to focusover the burner table T. The light can also be activated automaticallyaccording to the electric cell that will order the activation or shutoff of the referred light.

In panel ventilator control 50 there also is a test socket 55, of thefemale connector type, that links the central processor circuit 5 to anexternal stove electronic analyzer, not illustrated. The analyzeranalyzes and obtains information of all the stove electronic devices byperforming an operation activation and, checking and verifyingprocedure. This analyzer is useful when a user wants to realizecorrective or preventive maintenance in the electronic systems and stoveelectro-mechanical devices, in an automatic and fast way.

The central processor circuit 5, when connected by test socket 55 to amodem through a commercial telephone line allows the user, after givingan identification password, to remotely program and/or activate a stove(or oven) program. This is useful when for instance a user wants tostart preparation of food previously left in the oven before going towork. For example, one hour before the meal time the user starts theoperation from his office telephone through a numeric code. When theuser arrives home to have the meal, the dish will be ready withoutwasting time.

In the same way when the control center 5 is connected via test socket55 to a modem connection to a commercial telephone line it is possibleto activate and realize checking and to verify operation of every stovedevice from a remote location by a technical assistance team.

This resource is useful when the technical assistance team wants toremotely check a problem that the client's stove is having, before thetechnical visit to determine which piece or component may have to befixed or changed.

We claim:
 1. An automatic stove comprising:at least one burner includinga surface on which a cooking implement is to be placed; a computer forcontrolling operation of said at least one burner based on a cookingcontrol program including at least one of burner operation time andburner heat quantity out-put; a transmitter/receiver system uniquelycoded for the stove including a first part at said stove and a secondpart at a movable source including at least one of an implement or userof the stove providing interactive communication for the system part;and enabling means at the stove to recognize presence of an authorizedsecond part uniquely coded to said first part of saidtransmitter/receiver system of the stove in proximity of the stove andin response thereto for actuating said computer to enable actuation andcontrol of the said at least one burner in accordance with the cookingcontrol program therefor.
 2. A stove, according to claim 1 furthercomprising a support grid for each burner having a sensor thatdetermines the exact weight of the utensil over the grid.
 3. A stove,according to claim 1 wherein the second part of the transmitter/receiveris located on at least one of a cooking utensil to be used with thestove and a body part of the person authorized to operate the stove. 4.A stove, according to claim 1 further comprising an auxiliary batterybackup system that recharges after use.
 5. A stove, according to claim 1further comprising a master control panel having a central lock button,a display to indicate decrease in the gas pressure and emergency gasfeeding.
 6. A stove, according to claim 1 further comprising a variableparameter programming system for programming at least one of cookingtime, temperature, vapor amount and food dehydration degree of thecooking control program.
 7. A stove, according to claim 1 furthercomprising two transparent tops operated by a central lock to open whena stove electro-electronic system is switched on.
 8. A stove accordingto claim 1 including an oven and further comprising an internalregulating temperature system for the oven to be programmed via anumeric keyboard, to control automatically the oven burner flameintensity.
 9. A stove as in claim 1 wherein said cooking control programoperates in dependence on the quantity of ingredients in the cookingutensil and means for measuring the quantity of ingredients on a utensilon said at least one burner.
 10. A stove as in claim 1 whereinsaidcomputer has a memory in which a plurality of cooking control programsare stored; and means for selecting one said cooking program.
 11. Astove as in claim 1, further comprising:means for setting cookingcontrol programs of the computer from a location remote from the stove.12. A stove as in claim 11 wherein said setting means comprises a barcode reader.
 13. A stove as in claim 1 wherein said enabling meansfurther comprises a shield to be raised to restrict access to said atleast one burner upon said transmitter/receiver system sensing thepresence of an unauthorized second part.
 14. A stove as in claim 1further comprising:weight sensing means associated with said at leastone burner to weigh the contents of a utensil thereon and to supply theweight information to the computer for adjusting the cooking controlprogram as a function of the weight sensed.
 15. An automatic stovecomprising:at least one burner including a surface on which a cookingimplement is to be placed; a computer for controlling operation of saidat least one burner based on a cooking control program including atleast one of burner operation time and burner heat quantity out-put; acode transmitter/receiver system including a first part at said stoveand a second part at a movable source including at least one of animplement or user of the stove providing interactive communication forthe system part; enabling means at the stove to recognize presence of anauthorized second part in proximity of the stove and actuating thecomputer to enable actuation of the said at least one burner; and asupport grid for each burner set over supports having a sensor thatdetermines the exact weight of the utensil over the grid; and a controlpanel having a digital display with a zero button and a totalizer toprovide information about food weight over the burner support grid,pre-programmed time and regressive time count, individual control lock,a detail button that changes the information; a flame sensor button, anda button that indicates the burner being programmed and a delay buttonthat operates time re-read to delay the burner switch off operation whenthere is no weight sensed over the barrier grid.
 16. An automatic stovecomprising:at least one burner including a surface on which a cookingimplement is to be placed; a computer for controlling operation of saidat least one burner based on a cooking control program including atleast one of burner operation time and burner heat quantity output; acode transmitter/receiver system including a first part at said stoveand a second part at a movable source including at least one of animplement or user of the stove providing interactive communication forthe system part; enabling means at the stove to recognize presence of anauthorized second part in proximity of the stove and actuating thecomputer to enable actuation of the said at least one burner; an oven;an internal regulating temperature system for the oven to be programmedvia a numeric keyboard, to control automatically the oven burner flameintensity; and a variable parameter programmer system(time×temperature×dehydration degree×vapor) to automatically controltime and internal oven temperature, a food loss weight checking functionto control dehydration degree and regulate the vapor amount to beintroduced during the preparation of food.
 17. An automatic stovecomprising:at least one burner including a surface on which a cookingimplement is to be placed; a computer for controlling operation of saidat least one burner based on a cooking control program including atleast one of burner operation time and burner heat quantity output; acode transmitter/receiver system including a first part at said stoveand a second part at a movable source including at least one of animplement or user of the stove providing interactive communication forthe system part; enabling means at the stove to recognize presence of anauthorized second part in proximity of the stove and actuating thecomputer to enable actuation of the said at least one burner; and anatmospheric compensator system that modifies the cooking control program(time×temperature×vapor×dehydration degree) according to the currentatmospheric conditions.
 18. An automatic stove comprising:at least oneburner including a surface on which a cooking implement is to be placed;a computer for controlling operation of said at least one burner basedon a cooking control program including at least one of burner operationtime and burner heat quantity output; a code transmitter/receiver systemincluding a first part at said stove and a second part at a movablesource including at least one of an implement or user of the stoveproviding interactive communication for the system part; enabling meansat the stove to recognize presence of an authorized second part inproximity of the stove and actuating the computer to enable actuation ofthe said at least one burner; and alarm means for producing an alarmupon said transmitter/receiver system sensing the presence of anunauthorized second part.
 19. An automatic stove comprising:at least oneburner including a surface on which a cooking implement is to be placed;a computer for controlling operation of said at least one burner basedon a cooking control program including at least one of burner operationtime and burner heat quantity output; a code transmitter/receiver systemincluding a first part at said stove and a second part at a movablesource including at least one of an implement or user of the stoveproviding interactive communication for the system part; enabling meansat the stove to recognize presence of an authorized second part inproximity of the stove and actuating the computer to enable actuation ofthe said at least one burner; and means for sensing at least one ofpressure, humidity and temperature conditions external of the stove andsupplying information relative to the sensed condition to the computerfor adjusting the cooking control program as a function of the said atleast one condition sensed.